Pan frying

Pan frying sausages

Pan frying is a form of frying characterized by the use of minimal cooking oil or fat (compared to shallow frying or deep frying); typically using just enough oil to lubricate the pan. In the case of a greasy food such as bacon, no oil or fats may be needed. As a form of frying, pan frying relies on oil as the heat transfer medium and on correct temperature and time to retain the moisture in the food. Because of the partial coverage, the food must be flipped at least once to cook both sides.

A pan fry takes place at lower heat than does a sauté. This is because the food to be pan-fried, such as chicken breasts, steak, pork chops or fish fillets, is not cut into small pieces before cooking. Pan frying requires a lower heat so that the exterior of the food does not overcook until the interior reaches the proper temperature.

The same amount of oil is used as for a sauté – just enough to glaze the pan – but the temperature should be lower during a pan fry. The oil should always be hot enough to ensure that the moisture in the food can escape in the form of steam. The force of the steam keeps the oil from soaking into the food.^[1]

Techniques

Generally, a shallower cooking vessel is used for pan frying than deep frying. (Using a deep pan with a small amount of oil, butter or bacon grease does reduce spatter.) A denser cooking vessel is better than a less dense pan because that mass will improve temperature regulation. An electric skillet can be used analogously to an electric deep fryer and many of these devices have a thermostat to keep the liquid (in this case, oil) at the desired temperature.

Foods to be pan-fried are usually covered with a batter or breading. Batters consist of dried ingredients such as flour or cornstarch in conjunction with liquids such as milk, water or other beverages. Breadings can be as simple as dusting the food in flour or more commonly what is called the "standard breading procedure." The standard breading procedure involves first dusting the food in flour, (taking care to shake off the excess), then dipping it in beaten eggs, and finally into bread crumbs or some other form of outer coating. Season the food with salt and pepper prior to coating. Allowing the food to rest for 15–30 minutes before frying enables the breading to stick to the food with greater tenacity.^[2]

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pan frying.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pan-fried food.

Cooking techniques
List of cooking techniques
Dry	Conduction Dry roasting Hot salt frying Searing Convection Baking Roasting (modern) Smoking Radiation Grilling (charbroiling) Roasting (traditional) Rotisserie Toasting
Wet	High heat Blanching Boiling Decoction Parboiling Shocking Low heat Coddling Creaming Infusion Poaching Simmering Slow cooker Smothering Sous-vide Steeping Stewing Indirect heat Bain-marie (Double boiling) Double steaming Steaming
Fat-based	High heat Blackening Browning Deep frying Pan frying Reduction Shallow frying Stir frying (bao) Sautéing Low heat Gentle frying Sweating
Mixed medium	Barbecuing Braising Flambé Fricassee Indirect grilling/Plank cooking Stir frying (chao)
Device-based	Air frying Microwaving Pressure cooking Pressure frying Thermal cooking
Non-heat	Curing Fermenting Pickling Souring
See also	List of cooking appliances Outdoor cooking Food preparation Food preservation Food safety
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